Moor Rigg

The walk up Moor Rigg from Barnard Castle is straightforward enough, though it'll take a decent chunk of your morning if you're starting from town. The peak itself sits at 1,360 feet and rewards you with proper moorland views across County Durham - rolling hills, sparse vegetation, that sense of being somewhere properly wild. It's not dramatic in the way Scottish peaks are, but there's something honest about it. The moorland around here feels genuinely open once you're up there, and on a clear day you can see decent distances.

This is walker territory, no question. Families with young kids might find the climb a slog, though older children keen on the outdoors will get something out of it. The real appeal is the walk itself rather than any facilities at the summit - there's nothing there, so pack a flask if you want to sit and enjoy it. Allow three to four hours return from Barnard Castle depending on your pace and how long you linger. Late morning start works well to avoid the worst of the crowds if this draws them.

Stay at Leekworth or Mickleton Mill - both barely a mile from town - and you're perfectly placed to tackle Moor Rigg as part of a broader walking weekend. Combine it with Barnard Castle's historic ruins and the riverside paths nearby, and you've got a solid couple of days sorted. It's not going to blow your mind, but it's honest moorland walking with enough elevation to feel like you've earned your evening pint.